Antarctica

Chile has very close ties with the United States and part of their eagerness to cement the tie is their interest in the Antarctica Region. This is a highly disputed area where control over the untapped natural resources in Antarctica Region is being fought between the 4 countries north of the region: South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. These countries all have bilateral military agreements with the United States and NATO. The natural resources in this region are gas, oil, minerals, marine life, and fresh water. Clearly, and somewhat unexpectedly, the property valuation of one of the earth’s most inhospitable environments has increased due to the consumption needs of the world’s population.

Recently, Chile came into an agreement with the Czech Republic about producing the legal framework for Antarctica. Chile has existing long-standing and expanding claims to the region. By linking with the Czech Republic, Chile appears to be trying to strengthen its claim on the region.

Other countries have also begun to file claim like Britain, Brazil, Norway, France, Argentina, Peru, and the United States, although technically there are only 7 claimants with the others staying in the side-lines for now. The United Nations Commission has already granted 2.5 million sq. km. to Australia. The area that was given to Australia is about 42% of the region now known as the Australian Antarctic Territory. Chile, along with Argentina, are both laying claim to the entire northernmost Antarctic Peninsula.

The Water Security Situation

Water security is a major concern for both Chile and South Africa. This is why the claim on part of the Antarctica Region is so important. South Africa is semi-dry in most parts of the country with sub-tropical humidity and a rainfall that is well below the world’s average rainfall. While South Africa has bodies of water, 4 of these major rivers are shared with other countries, and groundwater is minimal since South Africa is composed more of hard rock formations than groundwater. Johannesburg is nowhere near any river which makes it one of 2 major cities in the world with no direct access to water. Mexico City is the other major city.

Chile is in an entirely different situation because it has one of the wettest parts on earth on one side of the country and one of the driest parts on earth on its northern side. Thus, South Chile has an abundance of water while North Chile is the Atacama Desert. It barely experiences rainfall and has become dependent on desalinated sea water. As such, Chile is recognized as one of the countries most likely to be affected by climate change, ranking #9 in the world.

South Africa has to face 3 major challenges: availability and supply, quality, and rapid population and urbanization growth. The bottom line is that the fresh water situation in the country is “a matter of national security.”

Chile is also facing a similar dilemma but they are more progressive in dealing with the potential disaster. They have legislature that will address access, contamination, overexploitation, and destruction of watersheds. If approved, this law will effectively regulate and secure the country’s fresh water sources.